History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 124

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 124

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in the jewelry business two years, and two years in the lumber trade, in his native county. On coming here, he en- gaged in the jewelry business, and in connection, kept a book store, in 1882. Mr. Shaffer is a member of the K. of P. and politically, a democrat.

The book, stationery and artist's ma- terial depot of Anderson & Fentem, ou the north side of the square, was estab- lished by Julia Trull, in November, 1880, and who was succeeded in March, 1884, by the present proprietors. Their art sales room. is 22x110 feet in floor area, and the stock they carry will reach about $5,000 in value.

William E. Anderson is a native of this county, born in Tennessee township, November 15, 1863, and is a son of Wil- liam J., and Sarah A. Anderson. His youth was spent on a farm, and like most farmer's sons, he attended the com- mon schools, as opportunity afforded, and secured a fair education, whichi was subsequently supplemented by a course of instruction in the schools of Macomb. In 1883, he taught school in Scotland township, and in the spring of 1884, en- gaged in business. He is now a partner in the bookstore firm of Anderson & Fentem.

George R. Fentem, one of the pro- prietors of a bookstore in Mecomb, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, October 29, 1858, and there lived until the fall of 1864. He then came to this county, and settled in Hire township. He early engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 1880, and until 1882, attended Normal school at Macomb-then having the necessary qualifications, he taught school at Pennington's Point, and in

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Bethel township. Then he went into business in Macomb. He was married September 2, 1884, at Springfield, Illi- nois, to Ida M. Patterson, a native of Sangamon county. Mr. Fentem is a member of the K. of P.

E. H. Black, dealer in books, station- ery, toys, wall papers, etc .. is the succes- sor of S. J. Clarke. In 1869, he pur- chased one half interest in business with Henry Seymour, and continued with him, under the firm name of Sey- mour & Company, until April, 1871, when he withdrew and entered into bus- iness for himself, succeeding Mr. Clarke. His place of business is in the Opera House block.

John H. Grigsby, has a fine grocery stand on the west side of the square. He commenced business in August, 1884, buying out Samuel Frost, who had purchased the building and put in a new stock two years previous. Before this, Barclay & Simpson had run a gro- cery store in the same building, succeed- ing John Keefer, who had had a drug stock in the same building. The sales- room is 20x50 feet in size, and the stock is invoiced at $2,000.

John H. Grigsby, fourth son of Na- thaniel Grigsby, of Blandinsville, was born in that township, December 7, 1861. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of 19 years, engaged in the stock business upon his father's farm. August 27, 1882, he was united in marriage with Lulu E. Paggett, a native of Indiana, but at that time, a resident of Blandinsville. They have one child-Callie L., born October 7, 1883. After his marriage, Mr. Grigsby continued to reside upon the homestead

farm until his removal to the city of Macomb, in August, 1884. He then en- gaged in the grocery business, which he still carries on. He is a member of the Golden Rule, Macomb Council No. 17. As a business man, Mr. Grigsby is en- terprising and prosperous. Socially, he is a genial, pleasant gentleman.

In the year 1871, J. B. Simpson and T. J. Farley, under the firm name and style of Simpson & Farley, established a grocery store on the west side of the square, where they continued until July, 1883, when they removed to the north- west corner of the public square, in the Opera House block. Soon after the re- moval, Mr. Simpson disposed of his in- terest to W. H. Davis, and the firm name changed to Farley & Davis. They carry full lines of groceries, provisions and queensware, and their stock would in- voice over $2,000.

W. M. Lipe established his present grocery business on the northwest cor- ner of Lafayette and Franklin streets, in 1878. In 1881, he erected the build- ing now occupied by him. It is of brick, and the salesroom is 20x90 feet in floor area, and two stories high.

Lucian Brooking is a son of W. T. and Louie (Walker) Brooking. He is a native of the state of Texas, being born on the 4th day of January, 1858. At that time the family were sojourning in that state, on account of the ill health of W. T. Brooking. They soon after- wards returned to McDonough county, Illinois, and settled on a farm on section 7, in Macomb township, where, after reaching a suitable age, Lucian helped till the soil. He received his education partly in the district schools of his town-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

ship, and partly in the Macomb public schools. On the 11th of March, 1879, Lucian Brooking and Jennie Munsell, of Hamilton, Iowa, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. He then en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, which he followed until the fall of 1884, at which time, on account of the loss of his en- tire crop by the hail storm, he left the farm and removed to the city of Ma- comb, where he engaged in the grocery business, which he continued till March, 1885, when he sold out to Booth Bros. Mr. and Mrs. Brooking have had two children born to them, one of whom died at the age of nine months, and the other, Albert M., is still living, In politics, Mr. Brooking is a republican, but has no ambition for political preferment.

The grocery business of Booth Bros., was established by W. T. Brooking & Son, in 1884. On January 1, 1885, the senior partner withdrew and the busi- ness was run by Lucian Brooking, until March, of the same year, when it was purchased by the present proprietors. It is located on the southeast corner of the square, under the Miller house.

Venard & Simpson, groceries, provis- ions, flour, feed, etc., commenced busi- ness in January, 1884, succeeding Cris- singer & Venard, who had purchased the stock of William Davis about a year previous, and had moved it from the building now occupied by Wm. Ruckle's billiard room, to its present location. The salesroom is 20x50 feet in size, and contains stock to the amount of $1,800.

W. F. Smith, the enterprising dealer in groceries, flour and feed, on the south side of the square, established this busi- ness in October, 1884. The salesroom

occupied by him is 22x65 feet in floor area, and the stock carried by him will invoice about $2,300.

W. F. Smith, a son of John S. and Mary A. (Risley) Smith, was born in Miami county, Ohio, March 4, 1845, and when one year of age was brought by his parents to Macomb. When quite a small boy he commenced work with his father as a plasterer and brick-layer, which he followed until 1861, when he enlisted in company B, 16th Illinois in- fantry, and served with that company for three months, being then discharged on account of his extreme youth, 16 years. But young Smith was determined to be a defender of his country, and, in 1862, again enlisted, this time in company, I, 78th Illinois infantry. At the battle of Chickamauga he was taken prisoner, and was confined for 14 months in Richmond, Andersonville, and other places. It was_ then arranged that 10,000 sick and wounded should be exchanged, and young Smith was counted as one of that num- ber. He was then, in 1865, mustered out of the service, and returned to Ma- comb. In March, 1866, he went to Brook- field, Missouri, and took charge of the mason work for the Hannibal & St. Joe railroad, which position he filled until December 23, 1867, at which time he was united in marriage with Alice E. Barber, a native of Syracuse, New York, and im- mediately returned to Macomb. Here he remained, working at his trade, until the spring of 1869, when he went to Han- nibal, Missouri, and again took charge of the mason work for the same road as before, which position he held until 1873, when he removed to Denver, Colorado, and followed his trade. In 1876, he took

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

charge of the mason work of the Denver, South Park & Pacific railroad, and con- tinued in that position until 1880. In that year he organized what is known as the South Park Lime & Flux Co., and was chosen its general manager. On November 7, 1883, he sold his interest in said business, and returned to Ma- comb, and, after a short visit, again started westward, going to Washington territory, and other points in the west. March 13, 1884, found him at Benton- ville, Arkansas, where he built a house, and settled down. He was well pleased with the climate, but could not say as much for the people, so he sold out and returned to Macomb, where he has ever since been engaged in the grocery busi- ness. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were both dancing teachers, and for many years taught dancing schools. Mr. Smith has -traveled in every state and territory in the union, as also through Mexico, being generally accompanied by his family. During the past year, he, together with his wife and son, Edwin F., traveled about 37,000 miles. In politics he is a republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R.

Brooking and Sutton, who are among the leading grocers of the city, located on the southwest corner of the square, in a fine, large, new brick building. The members of this firm are J. H. Brooking and W. C. Sutton. They established the stand in November, 1882.

Cook and Smith are dealers in gro- ceries and provisions, on the south east corner of the square, under the Miller House. This stand originated with D. Shumate in 1867 or 8, in a room to the north of this. From him it passed into

the hands of Lusk and Crissinger, who sold out to the present proprietor. The sales room is 22×90 feet in size, and the stock carried is about $3,000.

J. W. Cook, a son of William and Sarah (Criswell) Cook, was born in Can- nonsburg, Pennsylvania, on the 8th day of May, 1844, and came to. Macomb with his parents in 1851. In 1859, he commenced life as a waiter boy in the Randolph house, and served as such for about three years. Then, on March 4, 1862, he began working at the tinner's trade, and after following the same for some nine years, engaged as a clerk in the hardware store of C. S. Cottrell. At the death of Mr. Cottrell, Mr. Cook, with J. W. Scott as a partner, purchased the business, and, under the firm name of Cook and Scott, conducted the busi- ness for five years, when Mr. Cook dis- posed of his interest to his partner and withdrew from the firm. He then formed a partnership with H. K. Smith, and, under the style of Cook and Smith, en- gaged in his present business, grocery and hardware, and to-day finds him en- gaged in business in the very room, where, from 1859 to 1862, he served as a waiter boy. In July, 1878, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Jennie E. Randolph, and, as a result of that union they have two children-Rea and Jay. In politics he is a republican, and has represented the first ward in the city council for two years.

William Cook (deceased) was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Macomb, Illinois, in 1851. By trade he was a carpenter, and for several years acted as a ship carpenter, running from Pitts- burg to New Orleans. He was married

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, to Sarah Criswell, and resided in his native state until 1851, when he removed to Illinois, and located at Macomb. But he had no more than settled down in his new home when he was attacked by that dreadful disease, cholera, which caused his death suddenly, in 1851, after an illness of about ten hours. His widow resided at Macomb until June, 1884, at which time her death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Cook were the parents of two children, both of whom still reside in Macomb-J. W. and Mattie, now the wife of W. H. H. Bonham.

J. H. Maloney carries a general stock of groceries, flour, feed, queensware, etc.,. on the west side of the public square. He, in company with M. P. Agnew, pur- chased the business of Loven Garrett, in 1879. The stand was established by D. M. Graves, from whom Mr. Garrett bought it. After Mr. Maloney had run the business with Mr. Agnew for about a year, he purchased the interest of his partner, and has ever since run it alone. He carries about $1,500 to $1,600 in stock, and does a large business.

J. H. Maloney; proprietor of a general grocery store in Macomb, came to this county in the spring of 1871, from Mich- igan. He was born in that state, March 1, 1857, and there remained until coming here. In his native state he worked in a carriage and wagon shop, having there learned the trade of blacksmith. He received a fair education in the common schools of the place of his old home, and upon his arrival here engaged to work at his trade in the carriage shop of J. R. Gribble, and there continued for two years. He worked at his trade for dif-

ferent parties, until he established his present business. He was married, May 4, 1873, to Margaret McGann. They have had three children, all of whom are living-Hattie, Louis and Walter. Po- litically, Mr. Maloney is a democrat. He is a genial, accommodating gentleman.

Gamage & McMillan are among the representatives of the grocery trade. This place was established by J. S. Gamage, May 1, 1873. In November, 1881, the present firm wasformed. They have a nice salesroom, 22x70, on Ran- dolph street, a few doors south of the public square. They carry a stock of about $2,000.

John McMillan, one of the business men of Macomb, is a native of Ohio, and was born August 17, 1818. He is a son of John and Mary (Mckinney) McMil- lan, both of whom were born in Penn- sylvania. Both his paternal and mater- nal grandfathers were in the war of the revolution, and came from Scotland to this country in 1745. John remained in his native state until the time of his con- ing to this county, in 1854. He was brought up on a farm, and, at the age of 18 years, learned the trade of druggist, in Canfield, Mahoning county. When he removed from Ohio, he came west, and bought a farm in Schuyler county, Illinois, near Huntsville; thence he went to Doddsville, and engaged in business two years; then came to this county. In 1860, he engaged in the drug business with J. W. Ellis, and continued eight months; then formed a partnership with A. B. Stewart, and under the firm name of J. McMillan & Company, carried on the trade until 1865. In September of that year he sold his interest, but re-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

mained in the store for one year after- ward. He then clerked for Frank R. Kyle, 18 months, when he removed to. Winona county, Minnesota. Returning, in the spring following, he entered into a partnership with Mr. Kyle, and con- tinued until 1872; then sold, and pur- chased the business of Twyman Bros., and associated Captain Irvin as a partner. Subsequently he disposed of his interest there, and again, with Frank Kyle, worked until about 1881. November 1, 1881, he went into business with J. S. Gamage, and has since continued. He was united in the bonds of matrimony, October 5, 1848, with Louisa E. Bruce, of Canfield, Ohio. They have had three children- Lewis, who was the first child, died when young; those living are Ella L. and Lua, wife of Willis Holmes, and living in Ma- comb. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, of which organization he has been an elder. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. His home is on North Campbell street, in Hayes' addition, where he is comforta- bly situated.

The popular grocer, W. F. Wells, estab- lished his present business in March, 1882, and carries a fine, clean stock.

Among the prominent merchants of Macomb, is W. F. Wells, who is engaged in the grocery business. He is a native of the state of Illinois, and was born in Brooklyn, Schuyler county, on the 22d day of November, 1850, being the son of G. M. and Louisa (Foss) Wells, who removed to McDonough county, in 1856, and settled in Macomb, where W. F., was educated in the public schools, and afterward engaged in mercantile life. In 1872, he became associated in business

with his brothers, Edward L. and George P., and, under the firm name of Wells Bros., engaged in the hardware trade. This partnership continued until Decem- ber, 1881, when Wheeler F., retired from the firm, and, in March of the following year, established the grocery business in which he is now engaged. He has gained a wide reputation for honesty and fair dealing, and, being endowed with a natu- ral ability for mercantile pursuits, has been eminently successful. In the fall of 1870, Wheeler F. Wells and Ella R. Dodds, a daughter of Samuel Dodds, were united in the holy bonds of matri- mony. As a result of this union, there ·has been one child born to them-Annie. Mr. Wells is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen lodges of the city of Macomb.

W. G. McClellan & Bro., are dealers in groceries, crockery, glassware, etc., on the west side of the square. This busi- ness was established by W. G. McClel- lan, in 1880, a few doors south of their present location. In March, 1883, he re- moved to the building now occupied by them, and in March, 1884, the present firm was formed. Their salesroom is 22x90 feet in area, and in addition they have a wareroom 8x70 feet in size. They carry a stock valued at $3,500.

Maury & Stoffer, dealers in groceries, etc., are located on the north side of the square, in the Bailey block. This firm commenced business in March, 1883, on the east side under the Miller house, buying out Frost & Maury, who had suc- ceeded Charles Mustain. The latter had purchased it of Simpson & Lipe. In October, 1883, they removed to their

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

present location. Their salesroom is 20x85 feet in size, and they carry stock to the amount of $2,000.

T. B. Maury,a son of one of the pioneers of McDonough county, came to the county in 1837. He was then only a boy of 15, as he was born in Mercer county, Ken- tucky, November 12, 1822. His parents were Abraham and Nancy B. (Bell) Maury, both native Virginians. They came to Illinois in 1834, and three years later settled in Macomb, where the for- mer died in 1838, and the latter in 1875. They were the parents of six children, four of whom survived them-T. B .; Willia G., the widow of W. S. Stepp; Mary, now the wife of J. P. McCandless, and John W. T. B. Maury upon com- ing to Macomb, entered a store as a clerk and chore boy. In 1848, he established himself in the boot and shoe business, but one year later changed to the drug line, thus becoming the first ex- clusive drug merchant in Macomb. In 1857, he changed his business to that of grocer, but, in 1860, again estab- · lished himself in the drug line. In 1862, Mr. Maury enlisted in the service of his country, and served as hospital steward of the 84th Illinois infantry for one year, when he was discharged on ac- count of physical disability. Returning to Macomb, he served as constable, deputy sheriff, and as a deputy in other county offices, at different times, until 1869, when he received the appointment of postmaster, and served in that ca- pacity for upwards of eight years, giving entire satisfaction. He then established his present grocery business, and has met with deserved success. Politically, Mr. Maury is a republican, and is a mem-

ber in good standing of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Royal Arch Masons. He was united in marriage, in 1846, with Rachel Hampton, a daughter of V. C. Hampton. They have had seven children born to them, four of whom are now living-Elizabeth, now the wife of George Baker; Willia B., now the wife of Oscar Gash; Samantha, now the wife of Wadsworth Stoffer, and Millard F.

The grocery establishment now con- trolled by George W. Pace & Son, was established in 1865, by J. T. and Robert Adcock, on the corner of Randolph and East Jackson streets. Shortly after its inception, J. T. Adcock became sole pro- prietor, a position which he held, with the exception of a short time when James Shannon was associated with him, until September 1, 1884, when George W. Pace, and his son, Henry, succeeded him, under the above firm name and style. They carry a good stock and do a fair business on a basis of square and honest dealing.

William I. Pace, deceased, was a pio- neer of this county, having came here in 1830, when the country contained but few settlements. He was a native Ken- tuckian, and by occupation a farmer. In 1830, he was married to Sally J. Vawter, and coming to Illinois, first settled in Chalmers township in the place now known as the Robert Venard farm, but in the spring of 1835, moved to Scotland township, on the farm now owned and occupied by A. J. Pace. There in 1850, Mrs. Pace died, leaving eight children- Ingram A., since deceased; Thomas J., now a resident of Chalmers township; Susan E., wife of W. H. Dawson, of Ma- comb; George W., of Macomb; Permelia

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J., wife of George W. Porter, of Chal- mers township; Andrew J., residing on the homestead; Anna, wife of J. T. Ad- cock, and Amanda, wife of Henry Smith. In 1851, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Pace was married to Mrs. Esther Doubler, formerly Adair, and afterwards they resided in Scotland township, which was their home until the death of both in 1855. They had one daughter- Fannie Bell, now the wife of Dewitt Roberts, principal of Grant street high school, Denver, Colorado; Mr. Pace took an active interest in political matters, and for a number of years was assessor of McDonough county. He was captain of a military company and went to Nauvoo to arrest John Smith. During the years of 1833-34 and 35, he was engaged in selling the Seth Thomas clocks, and was favorably known throughout the county.

George W. Pace, one of his sons, was

born in Chalmers township May 13, 1835, and made the farm his home until 19 years old, when he was engaged as clerk in the postoffice for five years. . He then resumed farming, and continued two years when he came to Macomb and en- tered the store of O. F. Piper, as clerk, and has since been engaged in mercantile business, either as clerk or proprietor. He was at one time engaged in partner- ship with A. P. Wetherhold, and again in the grocery trade with J. E. Lane. In September, 1884, with his son Henry, he engaged in his present business. Sep- tember 5, 1860, he was married to Sallie J. Sweeney, they have had four children -Henry, James M., principal of schools in Secor, Illinois; Lizzie aud Hattie. Mr. Pace is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Universalist church.

George Adcock, dealer in groceries and meats, commenced this business in May, 1884, purchasing of David Scott, who had operated this business for two or three years. The stock is valued at about $1,- 500, and the store is 20x114. The build- ing was erected in 1875, by David Scott, who first occupied it with a stock of fur- niture. In a couple of years he closed this out to John McElrath, who removed the stock to another building. It was then occupied by Farmer & Ross, as a boot and shoe store, and afterwards by Mr. Scott as grocery store.

John and Thomas McElrath opened the first furniture and cabinet making establishment in Macomb, in 1843. It is told of them that in 1849, John Anderson wanted a dozen chairs, and as lumber of the right kind was scarce, McElrath and Brother went out with a team, cut down a cottonwood tree, and from that, split out the chair bottoms, and had the chairs ready for use in the hotel when court con- vened. Some of these chairs are in ex- istence yet. The firm continued until the death of Thomas McElrath, since which time it has been continued by John McElrath, and to-day is one of the institutions of the city.

M. T. Winslow, the leading merchant. in the furniture business, commenced in May, 1882, purchasing the stand and stock of B. F. Martin & Son, the pioneer furniture dealers. He has large ware- rooms in the opera house block, and car- ries an immense stock of all the goods in his line, from common stock to high art goods.

M. T. Winslow, one of Macomb's prom- inent and enterprising citizens, came to the county in February, 1856. He is a

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

native of Jefferson county, New York, and was born on the 7th day of August, 1824. He received a fine education, and subsequently studied medicine, taking a course of study at the Geneva medical college, and followed this profession for some six years. In 1849, he was married to Sarah M. Blount, and in 1855, they re- moved to Quincy, Illinois, where Mrs. Winslow died in February, 1856, leaving two children, one of whom, M. Rosa, is still living. Immediately after the death of his wife, Mr. Winslow removed to Macomb, and entered the employ of Mc- Coy, Randolph & Blount, bankers, and, at the expiration of a year, purchased an interest in the bank, the firm name then being changed to Randolph & Co. This company subsequently purchased stock of a bank in Nebraska, but, in 1858, closed their bank business, on account of the crash of the previous year. As his health at that time would not permit Mr. Wins- low to engage in business for himself, he accepted the position of book-keeper with a hardware firm. In January, 1864, Thomas M. Jordan established a bank in Macomb, and Mr. Winslow conducted the business for him for some four years, when, in company with Leonard Holland, he purchased the business. Two years later he sold his interest to his partner, Mr. Holland, but continued in the bank for some time after. In 1871, Mr. Wins- low succeeded in forming a stock com- pany, with $60,000 capital, obtained a charter, and organized the Union Na- tional bank. He served as book-keeper and teller in that bank until January 1, 1876, when he accepted the position of cashier, of the savings department of the First National bank, and served in that

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History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 124

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150